How to Take Care of an Inground Swimming Pool

When added to the backyard, an inground pool offers entertainment, leisure, exercise opportunities -- and an increase in value to your home. A 2003 study by the National Association of Realtors found that an inground swimming pool adds about 8 percent to your home's value. The typical pool maintenance schedule involves a few weekly and monthly tasks, along with several daily tips to keep in mind. If there isn't a pool supply store convenient to your home, most super stores and home improvement stores also offer pool care equipment and supplies.

In-Season

1

Check your pool’s pH and chlorine levels at least twice per week. Your pool water should maintain a pH range of 7.4 to 7.6 and a chlorine level of 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million (ppm), according to the My Pool Supply website. Test the pool water levels at dusk at least four hours after all swimmers have left the water and at least eight hours after a rain or wind storm. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the testing strips you choose. If necessary, add products to re-balance these levels.

2

Clean the pool at least once per week. For a thorough cleaning, empty the skimmer baskets, skim the leaves and debris from the water. If there is debris on the bottom of the inground pool, use a vacuum cleaner designed for pool use. Skim the surface with a cleaning net.

3

Apply pool surface cleaner to the waterline on the pool walls. These cleaners eliminate waterline stains to keep your pool looking fresh. Apply the cleaner with a pool brush. Once you rub the cleaner into the wall at the waterline surface, dip the brush into the water and give a quick scrub to the walls under the water surface.

4

Shock the pool water once per week. Shocking involves adding a large dose of chlorine to the pool to eliminate algae and other contaminants. The amount of shock you use varies based on the specific chlorine product and the amount of water in your pool; follow the manufacturer's instructions. Shock the water at dusk, allow the pump and filter to run overnight and avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after shocking the pool.

5

Run your filtration system as much as possible -- constantly if you can afford it -- during the summer months. When the water is continuously moving, it is less likely to become tainted with dust, dirt, environmental pollutants, bacteria and body oils.

Off-Season

1

Inspect the pool before you close it for the season. Look for cracks, leaks or any type of damage that needs to be addressed. Since harsh winter temperatures will only make the damage worse, you’re better off fixing the problems before you close the pool.

2

Test the water’s chemical levels and adjust accordingly. Use the same procedures and materials you used during pool season. Clean and shock the pool using the same guidelines as well.

3

Remove all objects from the pool. This includes ladders, diving boards, slides, pool toys, ropes, skimmer baskets and any other accessories submerged in the water.

4

Drain all water from the pool’s pump, filter, heater and all associated tubing. If pool water remains in the system during the winter and freezes, damage will likely occur. A shop vacuum can help remove water, but be gentle with delicate items, like tubing.

5

Lower the pool’s water level by draining the water into the local sewer lines. Do not drain all the water from the pool. Simply reduce the water level until it’s below the lowest pool return. If your pool walls are decorated with tiles, the water level should also remain below the tiles during the off-season.

6

Cover your pool with a pool safety cover. The cover should secure tightly around the pool with no obvious tears, rips, gaps or damage. Inspect the pool cover every few weeks during the off-season. If you notice a poor fit or damage to the cover, replace it immediately.

Things You Will Need

Chemical testing strips

Chemical balancing agents, as necessary

Pool net

Pool brush

Pool surface cleaner

Pool vacuum cleaner

Chemical shock

Tip

During pool season, be sure to keep your pool filtration system's pump and motor uncovered. Avoid covering or burying the system with mulch, rocks, soil, landscaping, tarps or other items. The lack of oxygen and presence of foreign objects can easily damage the motor, rendering your filtration system useless. During the off-season, when the filtration system is not running, it can be covered loosely with a tarp.

Warning

If you're unsure of the types and amounts of chemicals you need to add to your pool water, consult a local pool expert. Haphazardly adding chemicals can seriously alter the water's chemical balance, making it dangerous to swimmers.